Crooks and Nannies

Crooks and Nannies: The Charmed Inn Mysteries

Misty Simon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Roxanne Gleason is trying to get The Charmed Inn ready for the busy Fourth of July weekend when a worker is electrocuted while repairing the wiring. At first, it is chalked up to an accident, but after the autopsy, foul play is suspected. Since Roxy’s sister, Mena, found the body, she is the number one suspect. Roxy uses her magic to help clear her little sister and find the real culprit.

Simon has created an appealing storyline with quirky characters, humor and romance. The main plot focuses on finding the killer, but there are several subplots, such as Roxy learning to use her magic and Mena becoming a nanny for a well-to-do couple. The subplots are entertaining, but sometimes they overshadow the central story. There are a couple of small threads that are not tied up at the end, but since this is a series, they may be addressed in future books. Overall, I think lovers of cozy mysteries will enjoy all of the elements of this story.

*I received this book as a gift. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Devil’s Footprints

The Devil’s Footprints: GKP Mysteries, Book 5

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In February, 1855, the residents of Devin, England woke up to a chilling phenomenon. Mysterious prints were found in the snow. These hoof-like prints traveled over 100 miles in a straight line, over walls, rivers and even on roofs. Theories ranged from an unknown animal to a supernatural entity and everything in between. The answer to this mystery is still being debated today.

What an interesting mystery! I had not heard of this event before, so this was all new information to me. I like how Kelly finds these fascinating occurrences and presents them in a clear, concise book/audiobook. It’s a fast and entertaining story that mystery readers will enjoy.

*I received an ARC of this audiobook. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Lost Roman Legion

The Lost Roman Legion: GKP Mysteries, Book 3

Grant Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As the Roman Empire expanded, they would send their soldiers to conquer and protect their territories. In 200 AD, Roman Legion Nine was stationed in the far reaches of England. Though the Empire kept meticulous records, this strong Legion seems to have disappeared. Historians have yet to solve the mystery of the disappearance. 

In this short audiobook, Kelly presents the history of the Roman Legion Nine and discusses theories of how they vanished. As someone who loves history and mysteries, these bite-sized audios (20 minutes) are terrific at introducing stories that are unique and compelling. Keep up the good work!

*I received an ARC of this audiobook. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Signed, Sealed and Deadly

Signed, Sealed and Deadly: Witchy at Fifty Cozy Mystery, Book 2

Bella Colby

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Josie Appleton moved to Briarwood after her husband left her and her grandmother willed her a B&B. On opening weekend, she is hosting rival dance troupes that are competing in the Morris Dance Festival. All is well until one of the judges collapses on the stage. Josie uses her newly developed magic and her grandmother’s recipes to investigate the death. Will she and her cat/familiar, Einstein be able to unravel the mystery?

Colby writes a fun, fast-paced mystery with well developed characters and an easy to follow plot. There is mystery, humor and even a bit of romance woven into this magical tale. This story grabbed me and didn’t let go until the finale. I loved the plot twists and did not see the ending coming. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mystery with a spark of magic.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

The Fern Valley Cold Case

The Fern Valley Cold Case: A Fern Valley Cozy Mystery

Ashley Hollow

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ethel Cromwell discovers a mysterious box hidden in the cornerstone of the library. This leads to an investigation of the disappearance of two Fern Valley citizens 150 years ago. Did they willingly disappear or were the circumstances more serious? Ethel uncovers underground tunnels, old wills and journals that lead her on a quest to discover the truth.

This is an appealing mystery that is well written and captivates the reader until the very end. Hollow does a nice job of developing the main characters and producing a plot that is easy to follow and entertaining. I enjoyed following Ethel and her colleagues on their quest to uncover secrets that were buried long ago. This is a fast read that I would recommend to cozy mystery lovers.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Murder Takes Center Stage

Murder Takes Center Stage: A Maggie Nelson Cozy Mystery 

Bonnie Reed

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The town of Wheatfield was excited to host a traveling theatre troupe until the lead actor is found dead in his dressing room after the final performance. Librarian and amateur sleuth Maggie Nelson is determined to unravel this mystery and bring the killer to justice. There are no shortage of suspects and Maggie must determine who the killer is before the curtain falls again.

This book was a quick and entertaining read. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep the reader in suspense. The plot was easy to follow and the main characters are likable. It’s a fun cozy whodunnit that readers with enjoy.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Lamb To The Slaughter

Lamb to the Slaughter: An Angel & Kincade Mystery-Book 6

James Harper

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After a respected doctor was found murdered in an unusual way, DI Angel is determined to understand the crime and bring the culprit to justice. While investigating, he finds out about the body of a young runaway being found and determines the two crimes are related. Will he be able to prove this connection and find the killer?

This thriller hits the ground running and doesn’t stop until the end. The main plot is filled with suspense and red herrings that keep the reader engaged. The curveball at the end was quite unexpected. There were some subplots that were a little difficult to follow without reading the prior books. However, it won’t stop the reader from being pulled into this dark thriller.

*I was given an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.